There’s no better way to immortalize a classic than with a set of collectible trading cards, especially when it’s for the globe-trotting, martini-swilling, gadget-loving secret agent we all know and adore: James Bond. Upper Deck, in all its glossy glory, has unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 trading card set dedicated to “No Time to Die,” the swan song for Daniel Craig’s electrifying tenure as 007.
Months, years, eons after we first bid adieu to Craig’s brooding yet suave iteration of Bond with the movie’s UK premiere on September 28, 2021, fans have another opportunity to revel in the cinematic masterpiece, meticulously recaptured in trading card form. Upper Deck’s offering is not just a nostalgic nod; it’s a veritable cinematic experience in miniature form, each card vibrating with the drama and suspense that marked Craig’s curtain call.
Positioned as a collector’s delight, the base build consists of 100 exquisitely designed cards, offering more than just a simple snapshot; they serve as portals back into key moments of the film that kept audiences at the edge of their seats. Now, these aren’t your grandmother’s trading cards; these babies are about as sophisticated as M’s briefing dossiers. The base set acts as a springboard for escalating rarity and deeper dives into Bond’s world with parallels such as Heracles, Ice Die Cut, the stately Teal 007 (numbered to 1,007), and the opulent Gold 007 (numbered to 77), culminating in the elusive Black 007 with a scant production of just 7.
But hold onto your bowler hats because the rarity escalates further. We see serial numbered runs that promise not only scarcity but thrill-chasing. Imagine Black and White cards with chic borders, Ensemble Gold and Ensemble Black, wardrobe memorabilia signed by key characters, and gold-tinted World of Bond autographs. It’s as if MI6 invaded your local card shop and left only the best intel behind.
For the autograph hunters among us, this set is a veritable gold mine. Signers include renowned names from the film such as Ralph Fiennes, the formidable MI6 head honcho; Lashana Lynch, the sparkling new agent; and of course, the man himself—Daniel Craig. The autographs present in alluring horizontal formats come with inscribed versions for those who relish cryptic notes and signed mementos.
Dipping further into the cinematic well, Upper Deck elevates the experience with screen-used pieces, which lends an unprecedented dimension of tangibility. These aren’t mere props; they’re heralds of Bond’s wardrobe, from the suave tuxedo pants to stylish waistcoats, sumptuous dresses, and even sandals. Now, you might never assemble a Bond outfit yourself, but you can certainly assemble a collection that’s dressed to kill.
As if that wasn’t enough, this set focuses on new agents Nomi (Lashana Lynch) and Paloma (Ana de Armas), with exclusive inserts that honor their roles. Their parallel autographs and memorabilia are as keenly sought after as W’s Q’s latest gadgets.
Each pack is a lottery in Bond lore, featuring six cards with four base and one serving as a Heracles parallel. For the daring collectors, Ice Die Cut parallels can be found in roughly 1 out of 5 packs. Sealed within every box of 15 packs and further encased in shipments of 12 boxes each, fans will take calculated risks worthy of 007, calculating odds like Q on a caffeine rush.
The listed checklist serves as a compendium of Bond’s journey through “No Time to Die,” each title deftly encapsulating a plot moment—from memorable quips like “What Do You Think Your Papa Does?” to climactic encounters like “No Going Back”—that fans can navigate, scene by heart-pounding scene, as they build their collections.
In essence, Upper Deck’s 2025 “No Time to Die” trading cards are more than just collectibles—they’re a cinematic encapsulation, an homage to Daniel Craig’s poignant final act as James Bond, capturing the suspense, the style, and the sheer panache of a franchise that has shaken and stirred fans’ emotions for over half a century. Whether you’re a die-hard Bond aficionado or a casual fan swept up in the cinematic tidal wave, this set promises a thrilling ride. Not unlike the man himself, these cards are licensed to thrill.
